1 . When I decided to buy a house in Europe ten years ago, I didn't think too long. I liked traveling in France, but when it came to picking my favorite spot to _______, Italy was the clear winner.

During my first visit to Italy, I _______ to ask for directions or order in a restaurant. But every time I tried to _______ a sentence of   Italian together, the locals smiled at me and _______ my language skills. That encouragement helped me to get through the language _______. After I made Italy my permanent home, I discovered how _______ Italians are. Neighbors will bring me freshly made cheese and will come to my door to _______ me to close the window in my car when rain is coming. It's these small _______ of kindness that make a new country feel like home.

As a foodie, the way to my heart is through my stomach, and nowhere fuels my _______ quite like Italy. Each town has its own traditional ________, and every family keeps a recipe passed from one generation to another. Families ________ for big meals on Sundays, birthdays, and whatever other excuses they can ________. These meals are always ________ by laughter and joy. Whatever ________ life in Italy might have, the problems are ________ once you sit down to a big meal with friends and family.

1.

A．study

B．rent

C．visit

D．settle

2.

A．planned

B．struggled

C．refused

D．happened

3.

A．string

B．hang

C．mix

D．match

4.

A．improved

B．assessed

C．admired

D．praised

5.

A．course

B．barrier

C．area

D．test

6.

A．open-minded

B．strong-willed

C．warm-hearted

D．well-informed

7.

A．remind

B．allow

C．persuade

D．order

8.

A．tricks

B．promises

C．acts

D．duties

9.

A．ambition

B．success

C．appetite

D．growth

10.

A．costume

B．dish

C．symbol

D．tale

11.

A．gather

B．cheer

C．leave

D．wait

12.

A．put up with

B．stand up for

C．come up with

D．make up for

13.

A．signaled

B．confirmed

C．represented

D．accompanied

14.

A．disadvantages

B．meanings

C．surprises

D．opportunities

15.

A．created

B．forgotten

C．understood

D．identified

2 . Overtourism Is For Real: How Can You Help?

Travel promotes understanding, expands our minds, makes us better people, and boosts local economies and communities, but the rapid growth of travel has led to overtourism in certain regions and destinations.     1     Certainly not. The loss of what travel offers would be unacceptable in today’s world. Here are some tips on making wise decisions to minimize pressure on the places we visit and improve our experience.

●Choose mindfully. Overvisited destinations are that way for a reason: they’re special. With so many online posts featuring the same places, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. Go somewhere only when the landscape, culture or food deeply draws you.     2    

●Get creative. The best way to ease pressure on over-touristed destinations is to go somewhere else. Though overtourism is described as a problem affecting the entire world, it’s actually concentrated to a small number of extremely popular spots. That means you have tons of less-visited options to choose from.     3     Why not try a regional alternative or check out a popular destination’s lesser-known sights?

●    4     Minimize impact and maximize experience by skipping major holidays or rush hour. You’ll compete with fewer tourists, save money, experience a different side of a popular place, and boost the economy when tourism is traditionally slower.

Visiting a place that others call home is a privilege (荣幸). Do your part to preserve what makes a destination special in the first place.     5     You may be amazed how much closer you’ll feel to the people there.

A．Visit during off-peak times.

B．So, should we stop traveling?

C．Travel for you and no one else.

D．Can overtourism be avoided then?

E．You can still find relatively undiscovered places.

F．You’ll find yourself virtually alone, or close to it.

G．Consider giving back to the communities you’re visiting.

3 . Given the astonishing potential of AI to transform our lives, we all need to take action to deal with our AI-powered future, and this is where AI by Design: A Plan for Living with Artificial Intelligence comes in. This absorbing new book by Catriona Campbell is a practical roadmap addressing the challenges posed by the forthcoming AI revolution (变革).

In the wrong hands, such a book could prove as complicated to process as the computer code (代码) that powers AI but, thankfully, Campbell has more than two decades’ professional experience translating the heady into the understandable. She writes from the practical angle of a business person rather than as an academic, making for a guide which is highly accessible and informative and which, by the close, will make you feel almost as smart as AI.

As we soon come to learn from AI by Design, AI is already super-smart and will become more capable, moving from the current generation of “narrow-AI” to Artificial General Intelligence. From there, Campbell says, will come Artificial Dominant Intelligence. This is why Campbell has set out to raise awareness of AI and its future now — several decades before these developments are expected to take place. She says it is essential that we keep control of artificial intelligence, or risk being sidelined and perhaps even worse.

Campbell’s point is to wake up those responsible for AI-the technology companies and world leaders—so they are on the same page as all the experts currently developing it. She explains we are at a “tipping point” in history and must act now to prevent an extinction-level event for humanity. We need to consider how we want our future with AI to pan out. Such structured thinking, followed by global regulation, will enable us to achieve greatness rather than our downfall.

AI will affect us all, and if you only read one book on the subject, this is it.

1. What does the phrase “In the wrong hands” in paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．If read by someone poorly educated.	B．If reviewed by someone ill-intentioned.
C．If written by someone less competent.	D．If translated by someone unacademic.

2. What is a feature of AI by Design according to the text?

A．It is packed with complex codes.	B．It adopts a down-to-earth writing style.
C．It provides step-by-step instructions.	D．It is intended for AI professionals.

3. What does Campbell urge people to do regarding AI development?

A．Observe existing regulations on it.

B．Reconsider expert opinions about it.

C．Make joint efforts to keep it under control.

D．Learn from prior experience to slow it down.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To recommend a book on AI.	B．To give a brief account of AI history.
C．To clarify the definition of AI.	D．To honor an outstanding AI expert.

4 . We all know fresh is best when it comes to food. However, most produce at the store went through weeks of travel and covered hundreds of miles before reaching the table. While farmer’s markets are a solid choice to reduce the journey, Babylon Micro-Farm (BMF) shortens it even more.

BMF is an indoor garden system. It can be set up for a family. Additionally, it could serve a larger audience such as a hospital, restaurant or school. The innovative design requires little effort to achieve a reliable weekly supply of fresh greens.

Specifically, it’s a farm that relies on new technology. By connecting through the Cloud, BMF is remotely monitored. Also, there is a convenient app that provides growing data in real time. Because the system is automated, it significantly reduces the amount of water needed to grow plants. Rather than watering rows of soil, the system provides just the right amount to each plant. After harvest, users simply replace the plants with a new pre-seeded pod (容器) to get the next growth cycle started.

Moreover, having a system in the same building where it’s eaten means zero emissions (排放) from transporting plants from soil to salad. In addition, there’s no need for pesticides and other chemicals that pollute traditional farms and the surrounding environment.

BMF employees live out sustainability in their everyday lives. About half of them walk or bike to work. Inside the office, they encourage recycling and waste reduction by limiting garbage cans and avoiding single-use plastic. “We are passionate about reducing waste, carbon and chemicals in our environment,” said a BMF employee.

1. What can be learned about BMF from paragraph 1?

A．It guarantees the variety of food.	B．It requires day-to-day care.
C．It cuts the farm-to-table distance.	D．It relies on farmer’s markets.

2. What information does the convenient app offer?

A．Real-time weather changes.	B．Current condition of the plants.
C．Chemical pollutants in the soil.	D．Availability of pre-seeded pods.

3. What can be concluded about BMF employees?

A．They have a great passion for sports.

B．They are devoted to community service.

C．They are fond of sharing daily experiences.

D．They have a strong environmental awareness.

4. What does the text mainly talk about?

A．BMF’s major strengths.	B．BMF’s general management.
C．BMF’s global influence.	D．BMF’s technical standards.

5 . Several years ago I was teaching in Melbourne, Australia. Like most Brits down under, I wanted to _________ my time in this country, so I would take every chance to travel around the far _________ of Australia.

On one trip, I and three friends went as far into the Outback (内陆地区) as it was possible to go, camping and _________ Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. In these riverine areas, there were plenty of crocodiles and smaller, deadly _________ to make us nervous.

After picking up some _________ from an isolated shop near an even more isolated settlement, we reached a _________ which had to be forded (涉过). It was a likely _________ for dangerous salt water crocodiles to be loitering (游荡), so all of us were warned to _________ any “salties” as our vehicle entered the water.

At first the water only reached the top of the _________, but within seconds it was lapping at the windows. My heart was beating fast as I peered out, searching for any __________ logs floating towards us.

__________ there was a scream from the back seat. “Ah! Get it off, it hurts!” I turned round, feeling quite __________ that I was about to see a horrifyingly grizzly animal. As it __________, one of my friends had bought a hot pie in the isolated little store. The contents, hotter than the Arnhem Land sunshine, had __________ onto his bare legs as we bumped through the stream.

We made it to the other side with no “salties” __________. Just one passenger with a very sore leg.

1.

A．run out of

B．take hold of

C．make the most of

D．catch sight of

2.

A．fields

B．corners

C．villages

D．surroundings

3.

A．exploring

B．searching

C．swimming

D．climbing

4.

A．mammals

B．humans

C．plants

D．creatures

5.

A．water

B．supplies

C．clothes

D．friends

6.

A．stream

B．lake

C．valley

D．cliff

7.

A．station

B．channel

C．spot

D．yard

8.

A．reach out for

B．wait up for

C．turn a deaf ear to

D．keep an eye out for

9.

A．wheels

B．walls

C．seats

D．legs

10.

A．easy-going

B．fun-loving

C．suspicious-looking

D．fast-flowing

11.

A．Interestingly

B．Unbelievably

C．Occasionally

D．Suddenly

12.

A．curious

B．certain

C．amazed

D．bored

13.

A．turned out

B．stood out

C．made out

D．found out

14.

A．cracked

B．extended

C．spilled

D．crashed

15.

A．lost

B．caught

C．missed

D．sighted

6 . Choice of Walks for Beginner and Experienced Walkers

The Carlow Autumn Walking Festival is a great opportunity for the beginner, experienced or advanced walker to enjoy the challenges of Carlow’s mountain hikes or the peace of its woodland walks.

Walk 1 — The Natural World

With environmentalist Éanna Lamhna as the guide, this walk promises to be an informative tour. Walkers are sure to learn lots about the habitats and natural world of the Blackstairs.

Date and Time: Saturday, 1st October, at 09:00

Start Point: Scratoes Bridge

Walk Duration: 6 hours

Walk 2 — Introduction to Hillwalking

Emmanuel Chappard, an experienced guide, has a passion for making the great outdoors accessible to all. This mountain walk provides an insight into the skills required for hillwalking to ensure you get the most from future walking trips.

Date and Time: Sunday, 2nd October, at 09:00

Start Point: Deerpark Car Park

Walk Duration: 5 hours

Walk 3 — Moonlight Under the Stars

Walking at night-time is a great way to step out of your comfort zone. Breathtaking views of the lowlands of Carlow can be enjoyed in the presence of welcoming guides from local walking clubs. A torch (手电筒) along with suitable clothing is essential for walking in the dark. Those who are dressed inappropriately will be refused permission to participate.

Date and Time: Saturday, 1st October, at 18:30

Start Point: The Town Hall

Walk Duration: 3 hours

Walk 4 — Photographic Walk in Kilbrannish Forest

This informative walk led by Richard Smyth introduces you to the basic principles of photography in the wild. Bring along your camera and enjoy the wonderful views along this well-surfaced forest path.

Date and Time: Sunday, 2nd October, at 11:45

Start Point: Kilbrannish Forest Recreation Area

Walk Duration: 1.5 hours

1. Which walk takes the shortest time?

A．The Natural World.	B．Introduction to Hillwalking.
C．Moonlight Under the Stars.	D．Photographic Walk in Kilbrannish Forest.

2. What are participants in Walk 3 required to do?

A．Wear proper clothes.	B．Join a walking club.
C．Get special permits.	D．Bring a survival guide.

3. What do the four walks have in common?

A．They involve difficult climbing.	B．They are for experienced walkers.
C．They share the same start point.	D．They are scheduled for the weekend.

7 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

I met Gunter on a cold, wet and unforgettable evening in September. I had planned to fly to Vienna and take a bus to Prague for a conference. Due to a big storm, my flight had been delayed by an hour and a half. I touched down in Vienna just 30 minutes before the departure of the last bus to Prague. The moment I got off the plane, I ran like crazy through the airport building and jumped into the first taxi on the rank without a second thought.

That was when I met Gunter. I told him where I was going, but he said he hadn't heard of the bus station. I thought my pronunciation was the problem, so I explained again more slowly, but he still looked confused. When I was about to give up, Gunter fished out his little phone and rang up a friend. After a heated discussion that lasted for what seemed like a century, Gunter put his phone down and started the car.

Finally, with just two minutes to spare we rolled into the bus station. Thankfully, there was a long queue (队列) still waiting to board the bus. Gunter parked the taxi behind the bus, turned around, and looked at me with a big smile on his face. "We made it," he said.

Just then I realised that I had zero cash in my wallet. I flashed him an apologetic smile as I pulled out my Portuguese bankcard. He tried it several times, but the card machine just did not play along. A feeling of helplessness washed over me as I saw the bus queue thinning out.

At this moment, Gunter pointed towards the waiting hall of the bus station. There, at the entrance, was a cash machine. I jumped out of the car, made a mad run for the machine, and popped my card in, only to read the message: "Out of order. Sorry."

注意：
（1）续写词数应为150个左右；
（2）请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

I ran back to Gunter and told him the bad news.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Four days later, when I was back in Vienna, I called Gunter as promised.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . The teenage years are a transformative period marked by great physical, psychological, and emotional changes.     1     They refer to the feelings that arise during interactions with others, such as gratitude, shame, sympathy, guilt, and pride.

Understanding and managing social emotions can help develop teenagers’ identities. Teenagers experience a wide range of emotions from social interactions, which significantly influences their self-understanding and social awareness. In the process, they learn to understand, and appropriately respond to both their own emotions and those of others.     2    

In academic settings, social emotional competencies like self-regulation, motivation, and social awareness directly impact a teenager’s ability to learn, participate, and engage in school activities.     3     Teenagers with strong social emotional skills are better equipped to handle stress, resist peer pressure, and avoid risky behaviors, reducing the likelihood of developing mental health issues.

Learning social emotions involves a combination of personal experience, guidance, and formal education.     4     This environment influences teenagers’ earliest understanding of how to communicate and manage their emotions. They feel safe and supportive to express their emotions freely and learn to manage them without fear of judgment. Schools also play a significant role through social emotional learning programs that teach these skills in a structured environment. Community involvement, extracurricular activities, and peer (同伴) interactions offer additional opportunities for teenagers to practice and refine their social emotional skills.

    5     It contributes to a teenager’s ability to manage their own emotions, understand others’ emotions, and face social complexities. This learning is a cornerstone for shaping their identity, influencing their interpersonal relationships, academic success, mental health, and future life outcomes.

A．What exactly are social emotions?

B．The journey into mature emotion is quite easy.

C．Social emotion learning for teenagers is essential.

D．Central to this phase is the concept of social emotions.

E．This helps shape their own personal principles and beliefs.

F．Families play a crucial role in modeling and developing these skills.

G．Moreover, social emotional skills are closely linked to mental health.

10 . One single night every January, volunteers all over America search parks, woodlands and pavements to count those without shelter. After seeing their own figures for homelessness increase by 20%between 2022 and early 2023. Jersey officials were shocked into action. Officials spent more on rental assistance for those at risk of becoming homeless. More services for people living rough have led to a rise in sheltered homelessness. The state also gathers real time data. In November New Jersey’s Office of Homelessness Prevention released its own figures , showing unsheltered homelessness falling across the state by 23% year on year.

Newark, New Jersey’s largest city and home to the state’s largest homeless population, recorded a 58% reduction in unsheltered homelessness since the start of the year due to the government’s financial support to reduce street homelessness, improve the shelter system and expand housing and prevention services.

Luis Ulerio, the director of Newark’s Office of Homeless Services, says “there’s just been a lot of hard work behind that number.” Mr. Baraka, the mayor (市长)，converted a local primary school into a 166-bed facility. He built temporary housing out of shipping containers. A second cluster (群) of containers with supportive services, called Hope Village II, will open soon. The containers have been altered to look like little cottages. A third cluster is in the works Mr.Baraka wants to create a pipeline from shelters to transitional housing and then to getting long-term homeless people into permanent housing.

More services for people living rough have led to a rise in sheltered homelessness. The city also provides money for overdue rent to prevent homelessness. Beth Shinn of Vanderbilt University points out that it’s cheaper to give $ 200 to help make due rent for the poor than to pay thousands later. The city also relies on data , updated daily by those working with Newark’s homeless people. Real-time data is crucial , he says , in order to carry out interventions in state policy all on the frontline.

1. What can we learn about homelessness in New Jersey from paragraph 1?

A．It has greatly affected people’s lives.	B．Official efforts are lacking to address it.
C．Great progress has been made to ease it.	D．It is the most serious all over America.

2. How did Mr. Baraka help the homeless in Newark??

A．He designed and built the Hope Village series for them.

B．He turned a school and shipping containers into o homes.

C．He joined a permanent pipeline to the homeless houses.

D．He led the volunteers to count people without shelter.

3. What does the underlined word “altered” mean in paragraph 3?

A．Extended.

B．Donated.

C．Distributed.

D．Changed.

4. What does Beth Shinn suggest about overdue rent?

A．Rent should be provided for the poor when it’s due.

B．No rent should be charged to stop overdue rent.

C．Real-time data should be in place to spot overdue rent.

D．A limit should be set to avoid large sum of overdue rent.